On Friday, the Delhi High Court strongly reprimanded the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) for barring wrestler Vinesh Phogat from participating in domestic competitions. The court said that such exemptions have been given to well-known athletes in history; Therefore, the court raised the question as to why Vinesh is now being treated differently.
Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyay and Justice Tejas Karia directed the Central Government to form an expert panel to investigate Vinesh Phogat’s case. The court insisted that Vinesh – who is returning after maternity leave – should be given a chance to participate in the trials for the upcoming Asian Games. The court said, “Motherhood is respected in India, and no sports association should act in a vindictive manner.” During the hearing, the government said that athletes could be exempted in some cases. Citing anti-doping rules, the WFI had declared Phogat ineligible to compete in domestic competitions till June 26, 2026. Vinesh has filed a petition in the High Court challenging this decision.
**Open ranking wrestling tournament organized in Gonda; Vinesh’s allegation: “Notice issued deliberately”**
A senior open ranking wrestling tournament was held from 10 May to 12 May in Gonda, Uttar Pradesh. After reaching Gonda, Vinesh said on May 3: “I have come to Gonda to take part in the tournament. I had registered for it since April 27. The WFI president wants me to quit wrestling. I have received two ‘show cause’ notices. I have submitted a short initial reply, but they are immediately asking for a detailed reply within 14 days. This notice was deliberately issued two days before my bout.”
** Vinesh’s lawyer says: “Whatever the controversy, the sport should not be harmed” **
On May 18, Vinesh Phogat had challenged the order given by the single bench of the High Court; This bench had refused to grant him interim relief from participating in the Asian Games selection tournament after he was disqualified by the WFI. Vinesh’s lawyer requested the court to give her a chance to participate in the tournament. He said a ‘show cause notice’ was issued to Vinesh before she attended an event in Gonda on May 9. This shows that someone is making baseless efforts to remove him from his post.
The lawyer argued that Vinesh became a mother in July 2025 – and right now the month of May is going on. He is an internationally famous wrestler. Why is it not possible for them to change the selection rules? Whatever the controversy or disagreement may be, why should the sports world have to bear the brunt of it? Motherhood is respected in this country; Should anyone really have to pay this price? Everything becomes clear with the changes made in the circular. This type of behavior should be avoided; This is not in the interest of the game.
**The controversy is explained in 3 points:**
Citing the six-month notice period required under anti-doping rules for athletes returning from retirement, the WFI (Wrestling Federation of India) declared Phogat ineligible to compete in domestic competitions till June 26, 2026.
The wrestling federation said in its statement that Vinesh had failed to give the required six months’ advance notice regarding her return after retirement. This is a violation of the WFI Constitution, United World Wrestling (UWW) rules and anti-doping provisions. It is worth noting that about three years ago, Vinesh had accused Brij Bhushan of sexually harassing female players. In view of these allegations, women wrestlers had staged a protest against Brij Bhushan at Jantar Mantar in Delhi. Vinesh is a Congress MLA representing Jhulan assembly constituency in Haryana, while Brij Bhushan is a former BJP MP. At present, one of his sons is an MP from Uttar Pradesh, and the other is an MLA.
Three years ago, after a sit-in at Jantar Mantar, wrestlers marching towards Parliament clashed with Delhi Police. On that occasion, several people including Vinesh Phogat, Sangeeta Phogat and Sakshi Malik were detained.
**Away from the mat for the last one and a half year**
Following the recent controversy, Vinesh posted a video on social media in which she wrote: “For the last one and a half years, I have been away from the wrestling mat. For the last few months, I have been preparing for wrestling. I have been working very diligently and hard. Just as I have won medals for the country in the past – with the blessings of God and the support of all of you – I hope to return to the wrestling mat once again. My aim is to do more for the country. To win many medals and increase the prestige of the tricolor.”
**Competition announced one month in advance**
Vinesh told that about a month ago, the wrestling federation had announced a competition. The tournament is being held in Gonda district of Uttar Pradesh – the exact place where Brij Bhushan lives. He also has a private college there. It seems very difficult – almost impossible – to think that every hard-working player who participates will get his due.
**The government has left everything in the hands of Brij Bhushan**
Vinesh asserted: “Which referee will be appointed for which match? How many points will the referee give? Where will the match chairman sit? Who will be allowed to win and who will be allowed to lose? All this will be controlled by Brij Bhushan and his cronies. The government – especially our sports ministry – is just watching this incident like a silent spectator.”
**Case pending in court**
Vinesh reminded that three years ago, she had raised her voice against sexual harassment. The case related to those allegations is currently pending in the court. Six female players had filed complaints and testified in this case. “I did not want to talk about it at this particular juncture as the matter is still pending in the court. However, the whole truth will eventually be revealed to the entire country.”
**Vinesh disqualified from Paris Olympics**
Vinesh competed in the women’s 50 kg freestyle wrestling category at the 2024 Paris Olympics. She successfully reached the final round. However, before the final match, his weight was found to be 100 grams more than the prescribed limit. As per the rules, he was subsequently disqualified from the entire tournament. Despite reaching the finals, he did not receive any medal.
Now, here’s the full story about the sexual harassment allegations…
**Sexual harassment allegations against Brij Bhushan**
On January 18, 2023, wrestlers Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia staged a protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, in which they accused Brij Bhushan of sexual harassment of female wrestlers. A crying Vinesh Phogat said: “Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and coach used to sexually harass female wrestlers during the national camp. Brij Bhushan used to stay in the hotels of athletes, which is a violation of the rules. After my defeat in Tokyo Olympics, the WFI president called me ‘Khota Sikka’.”
**Brij Bhushan’s reply: “If the allegations are true, I will hang myself”**
Responding to these allegations, former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan clarified and said: “There has been no harassment. If it has happened, I will hang myself.” Calling the protest “sponsored”, he alleged that Haryana Congress Rajya Sabha MP Deepender Hooda was the mastermind behind it. He further said that these athletes are no longer fit to compete even at the national level.